What is the purpose of the Certification and Self-Study? Are they one in the same?
The purpose of NCAA certification is to ensure a commitment to excellence and integrity in intercollegiate athletics. The Self-Study is an institutional self-analysis that will enable the University to confirm areas of strength, identify areas of weakness, and chart measurable plans for improvement. The process of Certification overall is comprised of two parts: the Self-Study and the peer review team visit. Both of these components are evaluated by the NCAA Committee on Certification. This nationally comprised committee then renders a decision regarding certification for all Division I member institutions. Completing the self-study is intended to accomplish three major objectives: (1) open the affairs of athletics to the Seattle U campus community; (2) set clear standards, called operating principles, for Division I athletics programs; and (3) serve as a strong incentive for vigorous evaluation. While the process is intended to be enriching for each institution, there are serious sanc
